Birmingham, UK—Healthcare professionals have long supported the use of folic acid supplementation during pregnancy to reduce the risk of neural tube defects, especially during the earliest stages of fetal development. Now, new research published in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology suggests another reason for women to take folic acid before conception.

Lancaster, TX—They say everything is bigger in Texas. It holds true in the case of United Natural Foods Inc. (UNFI) and its new 655 kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar array, set atop its 590,000 sq. ft. distribution center, located here. The new array adds to an already extensive infrastructure of solar energy systems installed and run by UNFI at its facilities throughout the country.

Washington, D.C.—Jon Fiume, chief operating officer at Mustard Seed Market & Café in Akron, OH, was chosen to be the next president of the Natural Products Association (NPA). He begins a one-year role as president-elect this month.

College Park, MD—On December 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a public meeting to hear comments about its proposal for updating the Guidance for Industry, “Toxicological Principles for the Safety Assessment of Food Ingredients,” commonly known as the “Redbook.”

Natural products retailers are often told that the best way to compete in today’s market is to show off what makes them unique and special. An annual tasting event held at Sundance Natural Foods of Eugene, OR, is a great example of a store highlighting a special quality and running with it to give shoppers a great, engaging store experience.